Kona Coast snorkel tour: Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay

Two bays, two reef systems, one morning without the early alarm

A 4.5-hour snorkel tour on the Southern Kona Coast visits Puʻuhonua O Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay aboard a covered boat with a live guide, lunch, snorkeling gear and flotation devices included. The later start time means you skip the pre-dawn departure common on other Kona tours. Children from age 5 are welcome. You'll need to climb a short ladder to reboard the boat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Kealakekua Bay1h · entry included
2. Honaunau Bay1h · entry included

Snorkel Kona Coast bays and enjoy lunch

• Board covered boat
• Snorkel Puʻuhonua O Honaunau
• Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
• Learn history from Captain and Crew
• Observe lava tubes and sea caves
• Enjoy lunch with premium wraps and fruit

The experience

The boat leaves from the Southern Kona Coast with a captain and crew who narrate the journey as you travel between two of the island's most significant snorkel sites. Puʻuhonua O Honaunau, the Place of Refuge, and Kealakekua Bay at Captain Cook's Monument each have their own reef system and their own history. The guide shares both as you move down the coastline, pointing out lava tubes and sea caves carved into the volcanic rock. The covered vessel keeps sun off your head between stops, and flotation devices are there if you want them in the water.

Snorkeling happens at both bays with sanitized gear provided. You'll bring your own swimsuit and towel. Lunch is a sandwich box (turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef or veggie) that you order when you book, plus fresh fruit and bottled water. The whole outing runs 4.5 hours, which means you're back with time left in the afternoon.

What’s included

• Covered boat with shade.
• snorkeling gear and flotation devices.
• sandwich lunch with your choice of filling.
• fresh fruit and bottled water.
• live guide narration of the coastline, lava tubes and cultural sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Sea Quest Hawaii

Is this one for you?The later start time and covered boat make this tour work if you're staying in Kona without a rental car: pickup is arranged from your location, and you're back by early afternoon. The two-bay route and included lunch mean you're not building the day yourself or stopping to eat separately.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Honaunau Bay and Kealakekua Bay on this tour?

Puʻuhonua O Honaunau is a protected cultural site with its own reef system and shallow snorkel access. Kealakekua Bay sits at Captain Cook's Monument and is deeper with a different marine environment. The tour visits both so you see two distinct ecosystems in one morning.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Sanitized snorkeling equipment is included with the tour. You bring your own swimsuit and towel. Sunscreen is not provided, so bring your own or apply before boarding.

What time does the boat leave and when am I back?

The tour runs 4.5 hours total. The later start time (compared to other Kona snorkel tours) means you're not leaving before dawn, though the exact departure time is confirmed when you book.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes, the boat is covered, so you have shade between snorkel stops and during the journey down the coast.

What's included in the lunch?

Each guest gets a sandwich box with your choice of turkey, tuna, ham, roast beef or veggie (ordered when you book), plus fresh fruit and bottled water.